Staff Mechanical Engineer

Company Overview Sarmal, Inc. is a San Diego–based biotechnology company developing next-generation genomics and molecular detection platforms. Our work integrates molecular biology, chemistry, and advanced systems engineering to enable faster, more precise, and more accessible genomic insights.

We are a highly collaborative, R&D-driven team operating in a fast-paced, early-stage environment. Our scientists and engineers work across disciplines to solve complex technical challenges and translate innovation into scalable, real-world applications.

At Sarmal, we value scientific rigor, curiosity, and a builder mindset. We are looking for individuals who are energized by ambiguity, motivated by impact, and excited to help bring breakthrough technologies from concept to reality.

About The Job We are seeking a highly experienced Staff Mechanical Engineer to contribute to the development of Sarmal’s next-generation IVD instrumentation and consumable systems. The ideal candidate has 8+ years of industry experience, strong mechanical design fundamentals, and experience developing complex hardware in biotechnology, life sciences, diagnostics, or related instrumentation environments.

This is a highly hands-on technical role focused on mechanical design, system development, prototyping, and problem solving. The engineer will own major mechanical components and subsystems while working closely with scientists and engineers across mechanical, electrical, fluidics, software, and assay development.

Experience developing biotech instruments, disposable consumables, microfluidic systems, or automated biochemical workflows is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and own complete subsystems, components, and assemblies within Sarmal’s IVD instrument platform.
• Translate system, assay, and operational requirements into practical mechanical architectures and detailed designs.
• Develop concepts, prototypes, breadboards, fixtures, and production-intent hardware through iterative design and testing.
• Perform detailed mechanical design including 3D CAD, tolerance analysis, GD&T, material selection, mechanism design, and design for manufacturing and assembly.
• Drive the performance characterization and improvement of test platforms / breadboards for rapid evaluation of various instrument/consumables architectures for the automation of biochemistry workflows
• Assist and guide teams in establishing best practices for development-scale consumables manufacturing, encompassing fluidic devices, functionalized solid substrates, and reagents.
• Interface with suppliers or external collaborators.

Qualifications Required

• Strong mechanical design fundamentals and demonstrated experience developing complex hardware.
• Advanced experience with 3D CAD, tolerance analysis, GD&T, mechanism design, materials selection, and design for manufacturing/assembly.
• Demonstrated understanding of integrated fluidic-based platforms for complex assays or biochemical processes
• Demonstrated ability to independently own complex mechanical components and subsystems.
• Experience with experimental design and execution, including DOEs and root cause analysis
• Experience with microfluidic devices for nucleic acid applications is a plus
• Experience with manufacturing systems and workflows is a plus

Education & Experience BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering + >8 years of biotech experience

Benefits & Perks Sarmal offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Company-paid life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Generous paid time off
• Access to additional voluntary benefits, employee perks, and discount programs
• We are committed to supporting the well-being of our employees and providing a strong foundation for both professional and personal success.

$120,000 - $160,000 a year

California Pay Transparency Statement. The anticipated salary range for this position is $120,000 – $160,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, location, relevant experience, skill set, and internal equity considerations.

EEO Statement Sarmal is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement Sarmal is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and consider all qualified candidates in accordance with applicable laws.

Why Join Sarmal

• Work on cutting-edge genomics and molecular detection technologies
• Collaborate with a deeply technical, cross-functional team
• Contribute to foundational platform development at an early stage
• Have visibility into and impact on core technical and strategic decisions
• Help shape the infrastructure, culture, and future direction of the company

Closing Statement Join us in advancing the next generation of genomic technologies and shaping the future of precision health.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.